Preserving the Past. Restoring for the Future.
At Aberle-Media GmbH, we specialize in the professional digitization and restoration of analog film formats ranging from 8mm, Super 8, 16mm, to 35mm. Using state-of-the-art hardware such as the Blackmagic Cintel Scanner and a high-performance color grading pipeline, we bring historical footage into the digital age—ready for theatrical release, streaming, or archiving.
Step-by-Step Film Restoration Workflow
1. Material Reception & Inspection
Every project begins with a careful physical evaluation of the film reels. We assess:
- Base material (acetate or nitrate)
- Shrinkage or warping
- Splices, perforation damage, mold, and vinegar syndrome
Each reel is cataloged, labeled, and handled under controlled conditions to prevent damage.
2. Professional Film Cleaning
Before scanning, all reels undergo thorough cleaning to remove:
- Dust, dirt, and oil residues
- Mold or fungal growth
- Oxidation from aging
We use solvent-free cleaning systems and ultrasonic cleaning machines to prepare the film for optimal scanning.
3. High-Resolution Film Scanning (up to 4K)
We scan all film formats frame-by-frame using specialized scanners:
- 8mm & Super 8: Captured at HD or 2K, ideal for home movies, documentaries, or archival content.
- 16mm & 35mm: Scanned up to 4K RAW resolution using our Cintel Scanner, ensuring full image depth, detail, and latitude.
Our scanners feature:
- Real-time HDR capture
- Infrared dirt and scratch mapping
- Image stabilization built-in
4. Digital Restoration
Once digitized, the film undergoes a comprehensive digital restoration using industry-standard tools:
- Diamant-Film Restoration Suite
- DaVinci Resolve Studio
- AI-assisted cleanup algorithms
Key restoration steps include:
- Scratch and dust removal
- Image stabilization (removing gate weave and jitter)
- Flicker correction and de-warping
- Frame repair for torn or lost frames
- AI frame interpolation (if needed for damaged scenes)
5. Color Grading & Remastering
Our experienced colorists restore the original cinematic look or apply custom grading based on your creative brief. Depending on source materials, we can:
- Match original color timing (with reference prints if available)
- Restore faded film stock (e.g., pink/red shifts)
- Provide theatrical DCP mastering or optimized grading for streaming and TV
We support both Rec.709 and DCI-P3 workflows, ensuring cinematic accuracy.
6. Audio Restoration (Optional)
If your film includes sound, we digitize and restore the audio from:
- Optical soundtracks
- Magnetic tape
- Separate WAV or DAT sources
Audio restoration includes:
- Noise and hiss reduction
- De-clicking and de-popping
- Equalization and mastering
- Sync correction (if required)
7. Final Output & Delivery
Restored footage is delivered in your desired formats:
- DCP for cinema
- ProRes 422 HQ / DNxHR for post-production
- Blu-ray / DVD authoring
- H.264/H.265 for web and streaming
- TIFF or DPX image sequences for archival use
All files are metadata-embedded and ready for use in commercial licensing, distribution, or private preservation.
Why Aberle-Media?
- 15+ years of experience in film restoration and digital mastering
- Archive-grade workflow with museum and government clients
- German precision, international scalability
- Ideal partner for public archives, production companies, and private collectors
